Good News for All Nations

We are acquitted before God through the faith of Jesus Christ, and not from the works of the Law – Romans 3:21-26. Having demonstrated that all men violate God’s revealed will, the Apostle Paul concludes that no man or woman is acquitted from the penalty of sin from the works and rituals required by the Law of Moses. Instead, we are declared innocent through the faith or faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

At the end of his sermon, Jesus claimed absolute authority for his words. If we ignore them, we risk rejection by him – Matthew 7:21-28. “ I never knew you! Depart from me! ” These are the most frightening words we might ever hear from Jesus. His warning demonstrates that Christ’s teachings are not optional. The commandments of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ teach us how we are to live as faithful citizens of the Kingdom of God.

In Jesus, the creative word by which God made all things is manifested for all men to see . The  Gospel of John  identifies Jesus as the ‘ Logos ’, the word through which God made the Cosmos. This theme is prominent in John’s Gospel and is derived from the Hebrew Bible. God created the world, especially life, through His spoken word. Jesus of Nazareth is the living expression of that same creative word.

If the Thessalonians remain faithful to the apostolic message, they will receive the Crown of Glory when Jesus arrives from Heaven – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20. Having turned from dead idols to serve the Living God, the saints of Thessalonica will receive a glorious crown when Jesus returns if they continue their present course. This includes remaining “ blameless ” in conduct and persevering in persecution and tribulation.

Despite his miraculous deeds, Christ’s own village rejected his ministry and took offense at his humble origins – Mark 6:1-6. Jesus experienced growing conflict as he began his journey to the city of Jerusalem. In Galilee, he displayed his authority over nature, demons, disease, and even death, and the crowds welcomed him. However, among his own people, he was met with unbelief and rejection.